SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON, EVENT CO-HOST, EXPECTED TO SHEPHERD RESOLUTION THROUGH SENATE
 
EVENT TO HONOR 'ARTIST OF THE CAPITOL' ON THE BICENTENNIAL OF HIS BIRTH SCHEDULED FOR JULY 26, 2005

H.Con.Res. 202, legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) passed under suspension of the rules in the House of Representatives today.  The resolution authorizes use of the Capitol Rotunda to honor Constantino Brumidi on the bicentennial of his birth.  U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) is the Senate sponsor of S.Con.Res.44, the Senate version of the concurrent resolution. 

"As the grandson of Italian immigrants, I am proud that the House of Representatives has voted to honor this extraordinary Italian American," Pascrell stated.  "Driven by enormous artistic talent and patriotism, Brumidi adorned the Capitol of his adopted country with the grand democratic symbolism of a rich Greco-Roman legacy.  I see no better time or place to honor Brumidi than in his showroom, the Capitol Rotunda, on July 26, 2005, the bicentennial of his birth."

The resolution is sponsored by the co-chairs of the Italian American Congressional Delegation, Rep. Pascrell and Rep. John Mica (R-FL-7) and the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic issues, Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL-9) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-14).

Rep. Bilirakis stated, "Too few Americans know about the impact Constantino Brumidi had on this great nation.  Through his breathtaking works, he masterfully links the birthplace of democracy, ancient Greece, to the world's newest land of liberty, America.  Who could have imagined that an immigrant would be tasked with beautifying the most significant building in the United States?  I believe that is a testament to his perseverance and our nation's willingness to embrace those who want to share in the American Dream.  I am tremendously proud that we are honoring this true American patriot.

Rep. Maloney stated, "As a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I am especially proud of Constantino Brumidi's Greek heritage, and I am thrilled that we are recognizing such an outstanding artist and an important contributor to the history of our nation.  I would like to thank my colleagues, Representatives Pascrell, Mica, and Bilirakis, for their efforts in getting this resolution to the Floor."
Rep. Mica stated, "Today we honor Constantino Brumidi's life and many years of service in making our Capitol one of the most impressive structures in our great nation.  I am pleased to join in recognition of Brumidi's work and contributions which enriched the United States and continue to serve as an inspiration to the millions who visit our Capitol each year."

Constantino Brumidi immigrated to the United States from Italy on September 18, 1852.  He was a student of Rome's most revered art school, where he studied under artists esteemed by popes and intellectuals.  Brumidi left a promising artistic career in Rome to seek political asylum in the United States.  The son of a Greek father and Italian mother, Constantino Brumidi arrived in New York where he began building his legacy as the 'Michelangelo of America.'   

Constantino Brumidi's most famous work is the Apotheosis of Washington, a captivating fresco that covers the canopy of the Capitol dome.  He also painted a majority of the Frieze of American History, a piece that stretches around the base of the dome.  Brumidi's works can be found throughout the Capitol Building, mainly in the West Corridor, known as the Brumidi Corridor, the Senate Reception Room, the President's Room and various committee rooms.

Original Senate cosponsors include Sen. Michael Enzi (R-WY), and Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME).  Once the Senate passes its resolution, Congress will prepare the July 26, 2005 ceremony.

Constantino Brumidi has been honored in the Capitol on three different occasions in the twentieth century.  Tributes were held in 1952, 1968 and 1980.  The late Congressman Peter Rodino of New Jersey was the Master of Ceremonies during the 1968 and 1980 ceremonies.

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